The Most Human Game I’ve Seen This Year: A Dive into “Perfect Tides: Station to Station”

In the world of indie games today, we often see smooth, beautifully hand-drawn animations. But then there’s “Perfect Tides: Station to Station.” With its simple, low-resolution 2D graphics, it might remind you of something made in MS Paint, or even the infamous CD-i Zelda games. But don’t let the graphics fool you. The art style, created by Meredith Gran, captures the essence of college life in a big city perfectly, from bustling student dorm parties to the nostalgia of logging into a public library computer to check emails. It may look rough around the edges, but it tells a vivid story that resonates.

Meredith Gran explains that using a low-res style allows for a certain flexibility in drawing. “I find that it’s a little bit more forgiving. You can create rougher sketches and still have them look good,” she says. This approach is especially fitting for a game set in 2003, complete with era-specific details like posters for The Matrix Reloaded and Donnie Darko, a curvy pink iMac, and the classic Nokia 3310 phone that belongs to the main character, Mara Whitefish.

Inspired by Classic Games

Gran’s inspiration comes from classic adventure games from the ’80s and ’90s, especially those created by Sierra On-Line. “When I thought about games, I really had very little idea of the current landscape,” she shares. Instead, she draws from her youthful memories of gaming, deeply influenced by the games of her past.

Interestingly, “Station to Station” is a sequel to her earlier game titled “Perfect Tides,” which looked into Mara’s teenage years. Gran is also well-known for her webcomic series “Octopus Pie,” which ran from 2007 to 2017. It showcased the lives of two young women in Brooklyn. She describes her time creating webcomics as a valuable learning experience that set her up for the challenges of game development. “The instant feedback I received from those comics really helped me understand what resonates with people,” she explains.

Learning to Code the Easy Way

Even though Gran is still learning how to create games, she embraces new challenges. Instead of opting for modern engines like Unity, she developed the “Perfect Tides” games using Adventure Game Studio, a more traditional, open-source platform. Most of the game’s art was created using Aseprite, a tool known for pixel art, which aligns well with the game’s aesthetic. She recalls her experience growing up in a tech-savvy environment, revealing, “I always had an interest in computers and how to work with them.”

Gran highlights the importance of knowing what you want from your code. “When you learn to code from something that inspires you, it sticks more than if you just memorize without understanding its purpose,” she points out.

More Than Just a Game

“Perfect Tides: Station to Station” is not about wandering aimlessly in a vast open world. Instead, it focuses on the inner journey of Mara, as she transitions from her small island town to the big city. The game isn’t just about collecting items; it’s about gathering ideas and sparking conversations. This unique approach helps Mara grow both in her studies and personal life.

The game features some interesting design aspects where new concepts appear on Mara’s phone screen, visualizing her thoughts as pseudo-3D shapes that transform as she learns. Gran describes this cleverly, saying, “Imagine a funny image turning an idea around in your head. It starts as a little cube; the more you learn, the more complex it becomes.”

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for a game that blends nostalgia with a modern tale of growth and self-discovery, keep an eye out for “Perfect Tides: Station to Station.” Set to launch on PC and Nintendo Switch on January 22, 2026, you can even check out a demo during Steam Next Fest from October 13-20.

With its unique art style and portrayal of human experiences, this game is sure to strike a chord with players. Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic graphics or simply enjoy heartfelt stories, this is one game you won’t want to miss!

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Original Text – https://www.creativebloq.com/3d/video-game-design/the-most-human-game-ive-seen-this-year-looks-like-it-was-made-in-ms-paint